Why does acid reflux happen

They contain chemical compounds such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, aluminum, and magnesium hydroxide. They can also inhibit nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies over time. Gaviscon is probably the best-known heartburn therapy. It has a different mode of action than antacid drugs.

Alginate drugs such as Gaviscon vary slightly in composition, but they usually contain an antacid. The alginic acid works by creating a mechanical barrier against the stomach acid, forming a foamy gel that sits at the top of the gastric pool itself. Any reflux is then relatively harmless as it consists of alginic acid and not damaging stomach acid. If you want to buy Gaviscon, then there is an excellent selection available online.

If GERD is severe and unresponsive to medical treatment, a surgical intervention known as fundoplication may be needed. Acid reflux usually produces heartburn, whether it is due to a single episode of overeating or persistent GERD. Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation that occurs in the esophagus and is felt behind the breastbone area.

It tends to get worse when lying down or bending over. It can last for several hours and often worsens after eating food. The pain of heartburn may move up toward the neck and throat. Stomach fluid can reach the back of the throat in some cases, producing a bitter or sour taste.

Without treatment, GERD can lead to serious complications in the long term, including an increased risk of cancer. Persistent exposure to stomach acid can damage the esophagus, leading to :. In the U. Lifestyle modifications are recommended during pregnancy, such as not eating too late at night and consuming small meals. Any woman who is experiencing severe reflux during pregnancy should speak to her doctor about treatment options.

Normally, when you swallow food, it goes from your mouth, down your esophagus and to your stomach. As the food enters your stomach, it passes through a ring-shaped muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter LES.

A healthy LES opens to let food into the stomach and closes to prevent food and stomach acid from backing up. When the LES is weakened, food and stomach acid can move back up into the esophagus and throat, causing reflux. Medical management of gastroesophageal reflux in adults.

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American Journal of Gastroenterology. Brown A. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Bazerbachi F, et al. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Abu Dayyeh B expert opinion. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux GERD. The upper esophageal sphincter keeps stomach acid out of the pharynx and larynx.

When it doesn't work properly, you can develop symptoms such as hoarseness, loss of voice, chronic cough, phlegm in the back of the throat, and a feeling that something is stuck in the throat.

Experts don't know why. It may be that the larynx and pharynx are more sensitive to acid than the esophagus. Also, refluxed acid is more likely to pool in the larynx and pharynx, resulting in prolonged exposure. GERD symptoms are usually worst when you are lying down, while LPR often occurs when you are standing or bending over or exercising. LPR is usually diagnosed by symptoms, although a specialist may look directly at the area with a laryngoscope for signs of swelling and inflammation.

The treatment of LPR begins with changes in diet and behavior, including these:. If diet and behavior changes don't help, a medication may be prescribed — usually, treatment starts with a proton-pump inhibitor PPI.

They all work by reducing the amount of acid made in the stomach. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.